What is the additional Medicare tax rate for income exceeding $200,000?

The additional Medicare tax rate for income exceeding $200,000 is indeed 0.9%. This tax applies to high-income earners to help fund the Medicare program. The additional tax is levied on wages, compensation, and self-employment income that exceeds the threshold of $200,000 for individuals, or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Understanding this rate is crucial for payroll professionals, as it affects how employers withhold taxes for employees whose earnings exceed the specified limits. Employers are required to withhold this additional Medicare tax from an employee's wages once that threshold is reached, ensuring compliance with federal tax regulations. This measure is part of the Affordable Care Act aimed at enhancing funding for Medicare and addressing healthcare costs.

For those earning slightly below the threshold, they are not subject to this additional tax, which reflects the progressive nature of the tax system. This specific rate of 0.9% is a targeted measure that contributes to an equitable distribution of the tax burden, helping to support the broader healthcare system.